Metatarsalgia is sharp pain in the area of the ball of the foot, which is given its shape by the rounded ends of the metatarsal bones. The pain can feel like a person is stepping on a stone and is usually eased by sitting down and worsened by walking barefoot.
Your doctor also can refer you to a massage therapist, which may not only lead you to a qualified professional, but also help you qualify for reimbursement if your insurance policy covers massage treatments. Massage is not medicine. Itâs a complement to your doctor-prescribed arthritis treatment.
Massage may relieve pain, reduce swelling, and help loosen tight (contracted) tissue. Only a licensed massage therapist should use massage to treat an injury. Massage should not be used to treat infections or inflammation due to blood clots (thrombophlebitis).